Self-propagating amyloid as a critical regulator for diverse cellular functions

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Amyloids are protein aggregates with self-propagation and resistance properties.
• While often associated with neurodegenerative diseases, amyloids have emerging roles in cellular functions.
• Yeast prions like Mod5 and Mot3 exhibit amyloid properties and confer stress resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recent research on functional amyloids.
• To highlight the beneficial roles of amyloids beyond disease pathology.
• To explore the physiological significance of amyloid formation in cellular adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on functional amyloids.
• Analysis of research on yeast prions and their stress response mechanisms.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding the physiological roles of protein aggregation.

Main Results:

• Amyloids participate in diverse cellular processes, including translation regulation, programmed cell death, and protein storage.
• Yeast cells convert soluble prion proteins into amyloid forms for adaptation to environmental stressors.
• Amyloid formation is not solely a pathological outcome but can be a functional adaptation.

Conclusions:

• Amyloids possess significant physiological roles, utilizing their self-propagating nature.
• Functional amyloids contribute to cellular fitness and survival under stress.
• Further research into functional amyloids is crucial for understanding their diverse biological contributions.